Over-center load binder with variable mechanical advantage

ABSTRACT

An improved over-center type load binder having means to provide a variable mechanical advantage in conjunction with binding or unbinding a load and to facilitate unbinding a load in quick release fashion under safe operating conditions. The binder is defined by an elongated operating lever having a clevis configuration at one end, a pivoted yoke mounted adjacent such end, and a movable shank also mounted adjacent such end. Curved slots are formed in the clevis arm of the lever and the shank is provided with a pin which extends into such slots for rolling engagement with edge margins thereof. As the lever is moved towards the closed or load binding position, the location and configuration of the slots impart a variable mechanical advantage to the binder. Additionally, during movement of the lever toward the open or unbinding position, initial movement of the lever for a predetermined distance is under full control of the operator so that &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;flying&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; of the lever is obviated to minimize the chance of injury to the operator of the binder.

United States Patent 1 1 Ratcliff et a1.

1 July 30, 1974 Primary E.\'aminerAl Lawrence Smith AssistantExaminerRobert C. Watson 5 7 ABSTRACT An improved over-center type loadbinder having means to provide a variable mechanical advantage inconjunction with binding or unbinding a load and to facilitate unbindinga load in quick release fashion under safe operating conditions. Thebinder is defined by an elongated operating lever having a clevisconfiguration at one end, a pivoted yoke mounted adjacent such end, anda movable shank also mounted adjacent such end. Curved slots are formedin the clevis arm of the lever and the shank is provided with a pinwhich extends into such slots for rolling engagement with edge marginsthereof. As the lever is moved towards the closed or load bindingposition, the location and configuration of the slots impart a variablemechanical advantage to the binder. Additionally, during movement of thelever toward the open or unbinding position, initial movement of thelever for a predetermined distance is under full control of the operatorso that flying of the lever is obviated to minimize the chance of injuryto the operator of the binder.

28 Claims, 11 Drawing igures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention This invention relates generally to the field of devices forbinding a load, and more particularly to the field of over-center typeload binders in which an operating lever, having generally a dog-legconfiguration, with yoke and shank members connected therewith, ismovable between first and second positions for selectively binding orunbinding a load secured by hold-down elements operatively connectedwith the shank and yoke members by suitable means, such as grab hookmembers attached to the yoke and shank members. The load binder of thisinvention may be utilized in any environment where prior knownover-center load binders have been employed heretofore.

The field of this invention particularly relates to improved over-centerload binders having safety characteristics and variable mechanicaladvantage features heretofore unknown in conjunction with movement ofthe over-center operating lever from an open or load unbinding positiontowards a closed or load binding position, and vice versa. Still moreparticularly, this invention relates to the field of load binders whichare imparted with improved operating features'which are effective duringload binding and unbinding to assist the operator in reducing thisenergy output and to produce enhanced safety during both binding andunbinding a load.

The improved load binder of this invention is particularly well adaptedfor securing together or tensioning load hold-down elements positionedaround the load on a supporting platform. That is, the load binder ofthis invention is intended, among other uses, to bridge the gap betweenthe ends of load hold-down elements which are positioned to extendaround a load to be sustained upon or bound to a load supportingsurface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Over-center type load binders have beenwidely known and generally utilized for many years. By way ofillustration, conventional over-center load binders of the type commonlyemployed heretofore are disclosed in the patents to Williams, U.S. Pat.No. 2,089,679 dated Aug. 10, 1937, and Stacy, U.S. Pat. No. 1,538,412dated May 19, 1925. Certain shortcomings in such long known types ofconventional over-center load binders have been rectified .within recentyears by patented improvements thereto, such as the improvementsdetailed in Ratcliff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,271,007 dated Sept. 6, 1966;Ratcliff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,395,892 dated Aug. 6, 1968; and Ratcliff, U.S.Pat. No. 3,591,141 dated July 6,1971.

However, prior known over-center load binders, including those embodyingrecent improvements as noted, do not incorporate or utilize therein theparticular improved variable mechanical advantage features and specificsafety features of the binder of this invention. While such improvementsin the noted Ratcliff patents include features which impart greatlyenhanced safety characteristics and improved operating features theretoin comparison to conventional over-center load binders of the type inuse for many years prior to their development, such improved patentedbinders do not incorporate therein the specific and novel features ofthis invention. In that regard, while Ratcliff U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,141incorporates therein an operating lever having a clevis portion at oneend thereof in which slots are formed in each of the clevis arms forreceiving a pin therein in movable relationship during binding andunbinding operation, such Ratcliff patent does not possess the variablemechanical advantage features of this invention and the structuraldetails for providing such features.

It should be understood, of course, that the Ratcliff patents notedpreviously are substantial improvements over the prior art known beforetheir development, the particular features emphasized herein have beenspecially designed as additional specific improvements over the priorart, including the prior Ratcliff patents noted.

The present invention retains the basic construction of a conventionalover-center load binder of the type known for many years and addsthereto improved structural features and operating mechanisms notheretofore known. That is, the general configuration and structuralfeatures recognized by and long accepted by users of over-center loadbinders in the trade are retained by the subject binder while at thesame time providing improved operating characteristics and safetyfeatures noted at a cost which is generally competitive withconventional over-center load binders of the type long known.

In that connection, the improved mechanical advantage features andsafety features of the present invention are provided by a modifiedoperating handle construction having a slotted clevis portion at one endthereof in which a pin of a shank member is movably positioned. Theslots in the clevis arms of the operating lever are specially contouredto impart variable mechanical advantage features to this invention.

While some special design of the operating lever is required at itsclevis end, an entire redesign of a conventional binder to produce astructure which is entirely unfamiliar in appearance to those binderscommonly used in the trade is not required. Thus, the basically familiaroverall design and appearance of conventional binders is retained sothat those familiar with such binders are not required to accept anentirely different appearing binder than those with which they arefamiliar.

Additionally, in basic operation, the present binder is analogous tothat of over-center binders long known in the art so that no specificdexterity or change in operating function need be learned by an operatorutilizing the binder of this invention.

Thus, the drawbacks of certain prior known overcenter load binders areovercome by the present invention in a structure which retains the basicadvantages for which conventional over-center load binders have beenlong accepted. That is, the subject load binder retains the advantagesof durability, simplicity, low cost and strength with comparative lightweight, and one man operability, while at the same time providingimproved operating and safety features therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to animproved device for binding a load or tensioning a load hold-downelement, and more particularly to an overcenter type load binder havingmeans provided in conjunction with operative components thereof whichare releasably engageable with load hold-down elements to be utilized tosecure a load to be'sustained or bound thereby.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an over-center typeload binder'd'efrned by three principal operating components; namely:(1) an elongated generally dog-leg contoured operating lever having aclevis portion at one end thereof; (2) a yoke member pivotally connectedwith the clevis end of the binder operating lever; and (3) a shankmember movably connected with the operating lever in slots provided atthe clevis end thereof. Means are connected with the shank and yokewhich permit the binder to be operatively engaged with load hold-downelements. Such means may take various forms 'but in conformance with theconstruction of conventional over-center load binders well accepted inthe trade, such means in the illustrated embodiment comprise grab hookmembers connected by swivels with the binder components noted.

Improved operating and safety features are imparted to the subjectbinder by providing curved, generally arcuate slots in the opposedclevisarms of the operating lever in which opposite ends of a pinpositioned to extend through the binder shank member are receivable forselective movement in theslots as the binder is moved between a loadbinding and load unbinding position, and vice versa. The slots in theoperating lever clevis arms are designed to impart a variable mechanicaladvantage to the binder which facilitates operation thereof under saferconditions and with less operator effort than heretofore required inconventional load binders. Also, the slots in the operating lever clevisarms are designed so that initial movement of the operating lever fromthe load binding position under load conditions may be effected whilethe lever is still under control of the operator and without danger ofthe lever flying in the manner well known with conventional over-centerload binders. Such lever flying characteristic of conventional bindersfrequently and commonly results in personal injuryto and even death ofthe operator.

With the present binder,leverflying is precluded be cause movement ofthe lever is under full control of the operator during initial movementof the lever from the binding position until the operating lever hasreached the over-center position at which flying would normally occurwith a conventional binder. However, by the time the operating lever hasreached that position, sufficient tension has already been released fromthe load hold-down elements engaged with the binder so that the dangerof lever flying and operator injury is obviated.

, Thus, the improved operating and safety features of this invention areimparted into an improved construction of the type heretofore unknown inthe over-center load binder art.

From the foregoing it should be understood that objects of thisinvention include the provision of an improved over-center load binderwhich incorporates therein improved operating and safety featuresheretofore unknown; the provision of an over-center load binder whichpossesses variable mechanical advantage features which facilitateutilization thereof during load binding and unbinding; the provision inan over-center load binder of means for preventing operator injuryduring unbinding of a load held thereby; and the provision in anover-center load binder of improved interconnected-slot and pinstructure on an operating lever and a shank member operatively engagedwith load hold-down elements to impart a variable mechanical advantageto the binder which is utilizable during load a binding and unbindingoperations.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from astudy of the following detailed disclosure in which reference isdirected to the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a generally schematic view showingthe subject binder employed to hold a series of cylindrical objects,such as logs, in place on a load supporting surface.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the load binder with the operatinglever thereof shown in closed or load binding orientation.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the binder taken inthe plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

. FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a portion of the binder taken inthe plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 isa vertical sectional view through a portion of the binder takenin the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are side elevational views of the binder illustrating thesequence of operation thereof as the operating lever is moved from theopen or load unbinding position to the load binding position.

FIG. 8 is a generally schematic view illustrating the relative positionsof the shank member mounting pin in the operating lever clevis arm slotsduring the sequence of movement as a load is being bound.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of thesubject binder.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a portion of the modified binder taken in theplane of line 1010 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a portion of afurther modified embodiment of the subject binder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In keeping with theaforementioned advantages which make over-center type load bindersattractive to users, the binder of this invention, generally designated1, is simple in construction and-comprisesa minimum number of operatingparts of sturdy'metal, such as steel. The illustrated embodiment isdefined by three principal operatively interconnected components,

.namely an elongated manually operable operating lever 2, a yoke member3 and a shank member 4.

The yoke and shank members each include means associated therewith bywhich the binder may be operatively connected with load hold-downelements in known fashion. In that connection, as best seen in FIGS. 2and 4, the embodiment illustrated utilizes conventional grab hook andswivel constructions for engaging the binder with load hold-downelements. That is, at its free end 6 the shank 4 is formed with aninternal ball shaped socket 7 in which a link 8 having an enlarged ballshaped end 9 is swivelly received. The opposite end of link 8 isconnected with a conventional grab hook 13 by a chain link 12.

The free end 16 of yoke 3 similarly is provided with an internal ballshaped socket 17 in which a link 18 corresponding in construction tolink 8 just described is swivelly received and with which a conventionalgrab hook 19 is connected by a chain link 21. In that regard, the end 16of yoke 3 is defined by a separate socket forming member which is weldedor otherwise suitably secured to the end of the body of the yoketo'facilitate manufacture thereof.

FIG. 1 shows the binder l in an illustrative load binding arrangement inwhich the respective grab hooks 13 and 19 are engaged with loadhold-down elements 22 and 23 positioned around a load to be bound. Suchload, for purposes of illustration, comprises a stack of logs Lpositioned on a load supporting surface such as a logging trailer (notshown) and held in place thereon by the hold-down elements 22 and 23positioned therearound. The load binder 1 bridges the gap betweenadjacent ends of the hold-down elements and tensions the same to preventshifting of the load when the operating lever 2 of the binder is in theclosed or load binding position. As noted previously, the ends of therespective hold-down elements are defined by short lengths of coil chain22 and 23 with which the grab hooks 13 and 19 are engaged in knownfashion as betterseen in FIG. 2. Other types of load hold-down elementsobviously may be employed if preferred.

It should be understood that operating lever 2 is manipulated in thefashion well known with over-center load binders to move the samebetween the closed or load binding position shown in FIG. 2 to the, openor load unbinding position shown in FIG. 6. In that connection, when thegrab hooks 13 and 19V onthe shank 4 and yoke 3 are connected with therespective load hold-down elements 22 and 23 as noted, tension isapplied to the hold-down elements by drawing the shank and yoke towardseach other as the operating lever 2 is moved toward and beyond itsover-center position during movement of the lever from the loadunbinding position of FIG. 6 towards the load binding position of FIG.2. So long as the operating lever remains in the load binding position,tension is maintained on the load hold-down elements to preclude theload from shifting due to the over-center relationship of the componentswhich is characteristic of binders of the type in which this inventionis embodied.

It should be understood that the improvements to conventionalover-center binders imparted by this invention reside in modificationsmade to the construction of the operating lever, the yoke and the shankas will be described.

As seen in FIG. 2, the operating lever includes a graspable handleportion 26 at one end thereof and a clevis portion 27 at its oppositeend, the latter being defined by two parallel laterally spaced arms 28and 29, respectively, which are joined with each other and with thehandle portion of the operating lever between opposite ends of the leverat a location generally designated 31. As best seen in FIG. 6, each ofthe clevis arms is similarly contoured and each includes an offsetportion generally designated 32 which imparts a dog-leg configuration tothe operating lever in a fashion characteristic of over-center type loadbinders. Such offset portion is formed on the lever on the outer sidethereof, that is, the side opposite and spaced from the yoke 3 when thelever is in the load binding position of FIG. 2'

Formed in the offset portion of each of the clevis arms of the operatinglever is an opening defined by a curved slot 36, the configuration ofwhich may be described as generally arcuate in that the opposite edgesor margins 37 and 38 thereof are formed generally as the arcs of circlesfor at least part of their length. Each slot generally traverses thelongitudinal axis of the operating lever; that is, each slot extendsgenerally transversely of the lever rather than longitudinally thereof.The opposed slots are identically contoured and aligned with each other.The ends 39 and 41, respectively, of the slots 36 are provided withsemi-circular configurations adapted to receive thereagainst a round pinto be described.

It will be noted from FIGS. 6 and 8 that each of the slots 36 tapers ordecreases in width from end 41 towards end 39 thereof. It will also benoted, as perhaps best seen from FIG. 8, that each of the slots 36 isprovided with a generally straight portion or section 42 for apredetermined length of edge 37 thereof, the purpose and function ofwhich will be described hereinafter. The remainder of edge 37 is definedby the arc of a circle which merges with said generally straight portionintermediate the slot ends.

The slots 36 form means for operatively and movably connecting the shankmember 4 with the operating lever and in that regard reference isdirected to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. As noted in those figures, the shank isdefined by a generally flat body 46 terminating in an enlarged roundedend 47 having a bore 48 extending therethrough. A connecting pin 49having a tapered section 51 at at least one of its ends is positionedwithin bore 48. The tapered end 51 is provided to facilitate positioningof the connecting pin within bore 48.

In that regard, it will be noted that a connector in the form of aresilient split ring 52 is received within a groove 53 formed generallyintermediate the opposite ends of pin 49. Such split ring extends aroundthe periphery of the pin in the groove for a major portion of the lengthof the groove, as best seen in FIG. 5, and is interposed between the pinand a cooperating groove 54 formed centrally of bore 48 in shank member4.

The split ring may be compressed as required to position the same withingroove 54 in the shank 4 prior to introduction of pin 49 therein. Whenthe split ring is thus positioned in groove 54 in the shank member, thepin 49 may be urged with its tapered 'end 51 first against the splitring to expand the ring into the groove 54 an amount sufiicient to allowthe pin to pass through the split ring until the slot 53 inthe pin isaligned with the split ring. At that time, the ring contracts due to itsresilience so that the same lies partially within each of groove 54 andgroove 53 to positively hold the pin in the operative position shown inFIG. 4. Thus, the. pin is substantially permanently connected with theshank member 4 and may be removed therefrom only by destroying the splitring if the pin is forcibly removed from the shank member.

It should also be understood from FIG. 4 that the pin is inserted intobore 48 after the end 47 of the shank member 4 has ben positionedbetween the arms 28 and 29 of the clevis end of the operating lever.When the shank is thus positioned, the split ring is used to pivotallyand movably secure the shank to the operating lever in the mannerdescribed with the opposite ends of the pin 49 received within theopposed slots 36 in the clevis portion of the lever as seen in FIG. 4.

Thus, the shank member is positively connected with the operating leverand is movable between opposite ends 39 and 41 of the slots 36. In thatregard, because the pin 49 is of slightly less diameter than bore 48 inthe shank member, the pin may rotate in the shank member and accordinglyit may also rotate relative to the operating lever as the shank membermoves from one end of the slots 36 towards the other end thereof duringbinding or unbinding of the load binder. Such rolling movement cuts downfriction and facilitates creation of the variable mechanical advantageproduced by the subject binder as noted previously and in the manner tobe described. I,

The yoke 3 is pivotally connected with the operating lever in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 closely adjacent the end of thedog-leg portion of the clevis arms 28 and 29 of the operating lever. Inthat regard, during formation by forging, casting or other suitablemeans, the operating lever is provided adjacent its end with oppositelyprojecting aligned pivot pins 56 and 57 which are integral therewith asbest seen in'FIG. 3. The yoke 3 is defined by a pair of laterally spacedlegs 58 and 59 which have apertures 61 and 62, respectively, formedtherein to accommodate the pivot pins 56 and 57.

In that regard, although the yoke is formed from a suitable metal asnoted, it may initially be formed with the legs thereof formed innon-parallel relationship to permit the same to be received in alignmentwith the pivot pins 56 and 57, after which the legs may be physicallydeformed into the parallel relationship shown in FIG. 3 to retain theyoke in engagement with the pivot pins. Alternatively, the legs 58 and59 of the yokemay be formed in parallel relationship as seen in FIG. 3and temporarily distorted to accommodate the pivot pins 56 and 57therein during assembly of the binder components.

Thus, it will be understood that the shank member 4 and the yoke 3 areboth pivotally connected with the reaches the position in which theslots 36 extend generally horizontally (referring to FIG. 6 coupled withFIG. 8) the pin 49 will move along the edge margins 37 of the respectiveslots, such movement normally being accompanied by rotation of the pinwithin the bore 48 of the shank member and along the edges 37 of theslots.

When such position is reached, as noted in FIG. 8, pin 49 will move fromthe right hand dotted line position to the center dotted line positionshown in FIG. 8. Continued movement of the operating handle in thedirection of the arrow shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will cause the pin tocontinue its movement until it reaches the opposite larger ends 41 ofthe slots 36, in which position the binder is in the closed or loadbinding position shown in FIG. 2. Such movement is accompanied by avariance in the amount of mechanical advantage produced which works inthe operators favor to facilitate load binding.

In that regard, and again referring to FIG. 8, it will be noted that thegenerally straight section 42 of the edge 37 of the respective slotscomes into play when the binder reaches the dead center position. Suchstraight edge section permits-the lever to move rapidly to the fullyclosed position without requiring substantial additional force after thedead center position has been reached.

The slot configuration thus facilitates binding and produces a variablemechanical advantage which works operating lever 2 with the shank memberbeing additionally movably connected thereto for lateral movement withinthe limits imposed by slots 36. Referring to FIG. 2, it will be notedthat in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, yoke 3 is pivotallyconnected with the operating lever at a position between the end of theoperating lever and the slots 36. With an alternative embodiment to bedescribed hereinafter, the center of pivotal movement of the shankrelative to the operating lever is changed to overlie the slots as willbe described hereinafter with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and10.

Comparing FIGS. 2 and 6 through 8, the operation of the subject loadbinder will'be described. In that regard. in FIG. 6 the binder isillustrated in the open or unbinding position in which pin 49'isreceived at the smaller ends 39 of the slots 36 and with the yoke 3 andshank 4 generally in axial alignment with each other. When in suchposition, the grab hooks 13 and 19 may be secured within suitable linksof chain of the holddown elements 22 and 23 in known fashion. When thusengaged, the operating lever may be manually grasped at its end 26 bythe operator thereof and moved in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 6, which draws the yoke and shank towards each other therebyapplying tension to the load hold-down elements and tightening the loadheld thereby. It will be understood that during initial movement of theoperating lever downwardly in FIG. 6, pin 49 will remain engaged withthe ends 39 of the slots 36. However, when the operating lever in theoperators favor during load binding thereby substantially decreasing theamount of manual effort required to apply maximum tension to the loadholddown elements 22 and 23 engaged with the yoke and shank members ofthe binder.

In unbinding, the operation just described is reversed by moving theoperating lever 2 from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the positionshown in FIG. 6. Such unbinding is accompanied by safety featuresincorporated into the binder. Because the mechanical advantage of thebinder is under control of the operator during the initial stages ofunbinding, the dangers inherent in conventional over-center binders arenot present with the subject binder. That is, because of the specificdesign of the slots 36, and particularly the generally straight edgeportions 42 thereof, initial movement of the operating lever toward theopen position is under full control of the operator'and by the time theoperating lever reaches the over-center position shown generally in FIG.7, a substantial amount of tension has already been released from theload hold-down elements 22 and 23 engaged with the binder. Thus, thetendency of the operating lever to fly is greatly minimized if notcompletely eliminated with the present construction.

Furthermore, unbinding is facilitated because pin 49 is free to rotatein slots 36 as the operating lever reaches the dead center position, andprior thereto, which results in a quick release of tension from the loadhold-down elements without attendant lever flying.

It should be noted that when the operating lever is in the closed orload binding position shown in FIG. 2, the over-center relationship, andthe particular design of the slots 36, maintain the operating lever inthe closed position so that accidental unlocking thereof is posi tivelyobviated.

With the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the novel featuresemphasized herein before, particularly the operating features by whichthe mechanical advantage of the binder is increased progressively as thepin 49 moves through slots 36 closer to the dead center position, areproduced. Those same advantages are present in the modified embodimentshown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In that latter regard, the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and incorporates thesame basic features of the FIGS. 1 through 8 embodiment andcorresponding reference numerals primed are utilized to identifycorresponding parts in each of the embodiments. However, in theembodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the clevis portion of the operating lever2' is modified somewhat in design compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1through 8 so that the curved slots 36 may be positioned forwardly as faras practically possible in the clevis portion of the operating lever,without sacrificing strength, so that the pin 49' may pass through thepivot center 71 of the yoke 3 during binding and unbinding. Suchrearrangement of the slot and the pivot center for the yoke 3' allowsthe maximum mechanical advantage in binding and unbinding and producesadditional features of safety and operator control.

While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is a specific modificationover that described previously herein, the basic operating features arethe same as noted. In that connection, to permit the pivot center 71 ofthe yoke to be moved to overlie the slots 36 as seen in FIG. 9, it isnecessary to slightly modify the construction of the operating lever. Inthat regard, the end of the operating lever is provided with enlargedoutwardly directed boss members 66 and 67 which traverse or straddle therespective slots 36 in the fashion best seen in FIG. 10. Pivot pins 56and 57' project from the boss members and the yoke 3 is pivotallymounted thereon. With the arrangement shown, the connecting pin 49'passes throughthe pivot center 71 of the yoke as the lever passes thedead center position, thereby producing the maximum mechanical advantageduring binding and unbinding, while also producing the other desirableoperating features mentioned previously.

Except for the relocation of the pivot center of yoke 3, the embodimentof FIGS. 9 and 10 is essentially the same as the previously describedembodiment. However, it will be noted that the redesigned constructionof the operating lever also results in a somewhat different orientationof the slots 36' when compared with the slots 36 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 through 8. That is, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, slots36' extend generally transversely of the operating lever for asubstantial portion of their length for the reasons mentionedpreviously. However, the inner portions ofslots 36 extend somewhat morelongitudinally of the lever than do slots 36. Such slight directionalmodification of the slots does not alter the basic operatingcharacteristics of the binder, however.

The two embodiments of the binder illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 1 0positively remain in the load binding positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 9under all rough usage conditions due to the over-center orientation ofthe operating lever when in the closed position as noted previously.However, if it is desired to impart even more secure load bindingcapability to the subject binder, positive holding means may be providedin conjunction with the slots formed in the spaced arms of the operatinglever clevis portion. Such means is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11and comprises detent structure provided at the ends of the curved slotsformed in the lever clevis portion.

I In that regard, such detent structure is shown in FIG. 11 inconjunction with the embodiment of the binder seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. Itshould be understood, of course, that such detent structure may also beincorporated into the binder embodiment seen in FIGS. I through 8.

The detent structure which comprises the positive holding means in theFIG. 11 embodiment is defined by a recess or groove 72 formed at the endof each of the slots 36 in the operating lever clevis arms 28 and 29.Also, the boss members 66 and 67 may also be recessed or relievedslightly as indicated at 73. Each detent recess thus formed at the endof the lever arm slots 36' preferably is contoured to conform to thesize and shape of pin 49 so that the pin may be securely and compatiblyreceived in each detent recess as seen in FIG. 11.

The detent recesses shown not only provide a positive locking of thebinder lever in the closed position, but additionally impart additionalcontrol over the lever during initial stages of load unbinding toprovide more operator control with increased safety by obviating leverflying as the binder passes through the dead center position.

In that regard, while the detent structure shown in FIG. 11 is providedat the ends of slots 36 which terminate in the over-center position, ifdesired such detent structure could be provided in line with the deadcenter position of the operating lever. In such case, the detentstructure would impart positive resistance to accidental movement of thelever from the closed dead center position when under load. Such furthermodification could be effective by terminating the slots 36 generally inline with the dead center position of the binder so that the detentrecesses 72 would be oriented as noted at such dead center position.

Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention and two preferredembodiments thereof, reference is directed to the appended claims forthe scope of protection to be afforded thereto.

We claim:

1. In an over-center load binder for positively sustaining a loadwithout manual assistance when said binder is in an over-center loadbinding position, comprising an operating lever having an offset dog legportion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said leverin said offset portion, and a shank movably connected with said lever insaid offset portion, the improvement comprising,

A. a curved slot formed in said lever offset portion and extending,generally transversely thereof, and

B. a pin received in said shank and projecting laterally thereof andextending intosaid slot in said lever,

I. said pin being movable in said slot during movement of said leverbetween an over-center load binding position and a load unbindingposition to permit movement of said shank between opposite ends of saidslot during load binding and unbinding to impart variable mechanicaladvantage features to said binder,

2. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbindingposition toward said load binding position passing through and beyond adead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said loadbinding position until physically moved therefrom,

C. said slot being generally arcuate in overall contour but including agenerally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which saidpin is received when said binder is in said load binding position tofacilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever withattendant safety.

2. The binder of claim 1 in which said pin is rotatably received withinsaid shank in a bore extending therethrough so that said pin is rollablealong an edge margin of said slot during movement of said lever betweenload binding and unbinding positions.

3. The binder of claim 1 in which the remainder of said edge of saidslot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges with said generallystraight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

4. The binder of claim 1 in which said offset portion of said lever isclevis shaped and is defined by two generally parallel spaced arms eachof which has a curved slot therein, the slots in said arms beinggenerally identically contoured and aligned with each other, said pinextending laterally through a bore in said shank and projecting fromsaid shank in opposite directions with opposite ends thereof receivedwithin said slots to movably connect said shank between said lever arms.

5. The binder of claim 4in which said pin is provided with a peripheralgroove intermediate its ends, said bore in said shank is provided withan internal groove, and a resilient split ring is interposed betweensaid pin and said shank within said grooves to substantially permanentlyjoin said shank to said pin and thereby to said lever.

6. The binder of claim 1 which further includes detent structure at saidone end of said slot for receiving said pin therein when said lever isin said load binding position.

7. The binder of claim 6 in which said detent structure comprises a pinreceiving recess at said end of said slot.

8. The binder of claim 4 in which said slots are formed inwardly of theend of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connectedwith said lever at a location between. said slot and said lever offsetportion end.

9. The binder of claim 4 in which said binder offset portion is providedwith boss members on said arms thereof which traverse said slots in saidarms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said boss membersgenerally in alignment with said slots.

10. In a load binder of the over-center type comprising A. an operatinglever,

B. a yoke member movably connected with said lever adjacent an endthereof, and

C. a shank member also movably connected with said lever adjacent saidend thereof,

D. means connecting said shank member with said lever comprising 1. anopening in said lever,

2. a pin extending through a bore provided in said shank,

3. said pin and bore having aligned grooves therein,

and

4. a resilient split ring connector interposed between said pin and saidshank within said grooves to substantially permanently join said pin tosaid shank,

5. at least part of said pin projecting into said lever opening to joinsaid shank with said lever. 11. The binder of claim 10 in which saidlever end is defined by l. a pair of spaced generally parallel armsbetween which said shank is positioned, 2. each of said arms having anopening therein, said pin projecting laterally in opposite directionsfrom said'shank with opposite ends thereof received in said lever armopenings. 12.'The binder of claim 10 in which one end of said pin istapered to facilitate insertion thereof through said split ring toeffect expansion thereof when said pin and shank are interconnected withsaid lever.

13. An over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load withoutmanual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load bindingposition, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portioncomprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof,

B. a yoke pivotally connected with said lever offset portion,

C. a shank movably connected with said lever offset portion between saidarms thereof,

D. generally curved opposed aligned slots formed in said arms of saidoffset portion and extending generally laterally thereof, and

E. a pin extending through a bore in said shank and "rotatably retainedtherein,

1. opposite ends of said pin projecting into said slots and rollablyengaged with edge margins thereof, said movable connection providedbetween said shank and said lever offset portion by said rollable pinmoving in said slots imparting variable mechanical advantage features tosaid binder during movement with said lever between load unbinding andload binding positions,

F. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbindingposition toward said load binding position passing through and beyond adead center location, whereby said lever will remain in saidload'binding position until physically moved therefrom,

G. said slots each being generally arcuate in overall contour butincluding a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof atwhich ,said pin is received when said binder is in said load bindingposition to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating leverwith attendant safety.

14. The binder of claim 13 which further includes H. means connectedwith a free end of each said yoke and said shank for engaging saidbinder with a load hold-down element.

15. The binder of claim 13 in which the remainder of said edge of eachsaid slot is formed as the are of a circle and merges with saidgenerally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

16. The binder of claim 13 in which said pin is provided with aperipheral groove intermediate its ends, said bore in said shank isprovided with an internal groove, and a resilient split ring isinterposed between said pin and said shank within said grooves tosubstantially permanently join said shank to said pin and thereby tosaid lever.

17. The binder of claim 13 in which said slots are formed inwardly ofthe end of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotallyconnected with said lever at a location between said slot and said leveroffset portion end.

18. The binder of claim 13 in which said lever offset portion isprovided with boss members on said arms thereof which traverse saidslots in said arms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said bossmembers generally in alignment with said slots.

19. The binder of claim 13 which further includes H. detent structureprovided at said one ends of said slots for receiving said pin thereinwhen said lever is in said load binding position.

20. The binder of claim 19 in which said detent structure comprises apin receiving recess at said end of each of said slots.

21. In an over-center load binder comprising an operating lever havingan offset dog leg portion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connectedwith said lever in said offset portion, and a shank movably connectedwith said lever in said offset portion,

A. said lever offset portion being clevis shaped and defined by twogenerally parallel spaced arms each of which has a curved slot thereinwhich extends generally transversely thereof,

1. said slots in said arms being generally identically contoured andaligned with each other, and

B. a pin extending through a bore provided in said shank and projectinglaterally from said shank in opposite directions, opposite ends of saidpin being received with said slots in said arms of said lever offsetportion and movably connecting said shank with said lever between saidarms,

1. said pin being movable in said slots during movement of said leverbetween load binding and unbinding positions to permit movement of saidshank between opposite endsof said slots during load binding andunbinding to impart variable mechanical advantage features to saidbinder,

2. said pin having a peripheral groove intermediate its ends,

3. said bore in said shank having an internal groove therein, and

4. a resilient split ring interposed between said pin and said shankwithin said grooves to substantially permanently join said shank to saidpin and thereby to said lever.

22. An over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load withoutmanual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load bindingposition, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portioncomprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof,

B. a yoke pivotally connected with said lever offset 14 portion,

C. a shank movably connected with said lever offset portion between saidarms thereof,

D. generally curved opposed aligned slots formed in said arms of saidoffset portion and extending generally laterally thereof, and

E. a pin extending through a bore in said shank and retained therein,

1. opposite ends of said pin projecting into said slots and beingmovably engaged with edge margins thereof, said movable connectionprovided between said shank and said lever offset portion by said pinmoving in said slots imparting variable mechanical advantage features tosaid binder during movement of said lever between load unbinding andload binding positions,

F. said pin during movement of said lever from said load unbindingposition towards said load binding position passing through and beyond adead center location, whereby said lever will remain in said loadbinding position until physically moved therefrom,

G. said slots each being generally arcuate in overall contour butincluding a generally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof atwhich said pin is received when said binder is in said load bindingposition to facilitate load unbinding movement of said operating leverwith attendant safety.

23. The binder of claim 22 which further includes H. means connectedwith a free end of each said yoke and said shank for engaging saidbinder with a load hold-down element.

24. The binder of claim 22 in which the remainder of said edge of eachof said slot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges with saidgenerally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.

25. The binder of claim 22 in which said slots are formed inwardly ofthe end of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotallyconnected with said lever at a location between said slots and saidlever offset portion end.

26. The binder of claim 22 in which said lever offset portion isprovided with boss members on said arms thereof which traverse saidslots in said arms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said bossmembers generally in alignment with said slots.

27. The binder of claim 22 which further includes H. detent structureprovided at said one ends of said slots for receiving said pin thereinwhen said lever is in said load binding position.

28. The binder of claim 27 in which said detent structure comprises apin receiving recess at said end of each of said slots.

l i i

1. In an over-center load binder for positively sustaining a loadwithout manual assistance when said binder is in an overcenter loadbinding position, comprising an operating lever having an offset dog legportion at one end thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said leverin said offset portion, and a shank movably connected with said lever insaid offset portion, the improvement comprising, A. a curved slot formedin said lever offset portion and extending generally transverselythereof, and B. a pin received in said shank and projecting laterallythereof and extending into said slot in said lever,
 1. said pin beingmovable in said slot during movement of said lever between anover-center load binding position and a load unbinding position topermit movement of said shank between opposite ends of said slot duringload binding and unbinding to impart variable mechanical advantagefeatures to said binder,
 2. said pin during movement of said lever fromsaid load unbinding position toward said load binding position passingthrough and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever willremain in said load binding position until physically moved therefrom,C. said slot being generally arcuate in overall contour but including agenerally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which saidpin is received when said binder is in said load binding position tofacilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever withattendant safety.
 2. each of said arms having an opening therein, saidpin projecting laterally in opposite directions from said shank withopposite ends thereof received in said lever arm openings.
 2. a pinextending through a bore provided in said shank,
 2. said pin having aperipheral groove intermediate its ends,
 2. The binder of claim 1 inwhicH said pin is rotatably received within said shank in a boreextending therethrough so that said pin is rollable along an edge marginof said slot during movement of said lever between load binding andunbinding positions.
 2. said pin during movement of said lever from saidload unbinding position toward said load binding position passingthrough and beyond a dead center location, whereby said lever willremain in said load binding position until physically moved therefrom,C. said slot being generally arcuate in overall contour but including agenerally straight edge section adjacent one end thereof at which saidpin is received when said binder is in said load binding position tofacilitate load unbinding movement of said operating lever withattendant safety.
 3. The binder of claim 1 in which the remainder ofsaid edge of said slot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges withsaid generally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot.3. said bore in said shank having an internal groove therein, and 3.said pin and bore having aligned grooves therein, and
 4. a resilientsplit ring connector interposed between said pin and said shank withinsaid grooves to substantially permanently join said pin to said shank,4. a resilient split ring interposed between said pin and said shankwithin said grooves to substantially permanently join said shank to saidpin and thereby to said lever.
 4. The binder of claim 1 in which saidoffset portion of said lever is clevis shaped and is defined by twogenerally parallel spaced arms each of which has a curved slot therein,the slots in said arms being generally identically contoured and alignedwith each other, said pin extending laterally through a bore in saidshank and projecting from said shank in opposite directions withopposite ends thereof received within said slots to movably connect saidshank between said lever arms.
 5. The binder of claim 4 in which saidpin is provided with a peripheral groove intermediate its ends, saidbore in said shank is provided with an internal groove, and a resilientsplit ring is interposed between said pin and said shank within saidgrooves to substantially permanently join said shank to said pin andthereby to said lever.
 5. at least part of said pin projecting into saidlever opening to join said shank with said lever.
 6. The binder of claim1 which further includes detent structure at said one end of said slotfor receiving said pin therein when said lever is in said load bindingposition.
 7. The binder of claim 6 in which said detent structurecomprises a pin receiving recess at said end of said slot.
 8. The binderof claim 4 in which said slots are formed inwardly of the end of saidlever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connected with saidlever at a location between said slot and said lever offset portion end.9. The binder of claim 4 in which said binder offset portion is providedwith boss members on said arms thereof which traverse said slots in saidarms, said yoke being pivotally connected with said boss membersgenerally in alignment with said slots.
 10. In a load binder of theover-center type comprising A. an operating lever, B. a yoke membermovably connected with said lever adjacent an end thereof, and C. ashank member also movably connected with said lever adjacent said endthereof, D. means connecting said shank member with said levercomprising
 11. The binder of claim 10 in which said lever end is definedby
 12. The binder of claim 10 in which one end of said pin is tapered tofacilitate insertion thereof through said split ring to effect expansionthereof when said pin and shank are interconnected with said lever. 13.An over-center load binder for positively sustaining a load withoutmanual assistance when said binder is in an over-center load bindingposition, comprising A. an operating lever having an offset portioncomprising laterally spaced arms defining one end thereof, B. a yokepivotally connected with said lever offset portion, C. a shank movablyconnected with said lever offset portion between said arms thereof, D.generally curved opposed aligned slots formed in said arms of saidoffset portion and extending generally laterally thereof, and E. a pinextending through a bore in said shank and roTatably retained therein,14. The binder of claim 13 which further includes H. means connectedwith a free end of each said yoke and said shank for engaging saidbinder with a load hold-down element.
 15. The binder of claim 13 inwhich the remainder of said edge of each said slot is formed as the arcof a circle and merges with said generally straight portion intermediateopposite ends of said slot.
 16. The binder of claim 13 in which said pinis provided with a peripheral groove intermediate its ends, said bore insaid shank is provided with an internal groove, and a resilient splitring is interposed between said pin and said shank within said groovesto substantially permanently join said shank to said pin and thereby tosaid lever.
 17. The binder of claim 13 in which said slots are formedinwardly of the end of said lever offset portion and said yoke ispivotally connected with said lever at a location between said slot andsaid lever offset portion end.
 18. The binder of claim 13 in which saidlever offset portion is provided with boss members on said arms thereofwhich traverse said slots in said arms, said yoke being pivotallyconnected with said boss members generally in alignment with said slots.19. The binder of claim 13 which further includes H. detent structureprovided at said one ends of said slots for receiving said pin thereinwhen said lever is in said load binding position.
 20. The binder ofclaim 19 in which said detent structure comprises a pin receiving recessat said end of each of said slots.
 21. In an over-center load bindercomprising an operating lever having an offset dog leg portion at oneend thereof, a yoke pivotally connected with said lever in said offsetportion, and a shank movably connected with said lever in said offsetportion, A. said lever offset portion being clevis shaped and defined bytwo generally parallel spaced arms each of which has a curved slottherein which extends generally transversely thereof,
 22. An over-centErload binder for positively sustaining a load without manual assistancewhen said binder is in an over-center load binding position, comprisingA. an operating lever having an offset portion comprising laterallyspaced arms defining one end thereof, B. a yoke pivotally connected withsaid lever offset portion, C. a shank movably connected with said leveroffset portion between said arms thereof, D. generally curved opposedaligned slots formed in said arms of said offset portion and extendinggenerally laterally thereof, and E. a pin extending through a bore insaid shank and retained therein,
 23. The binder of claim 22 whichfurther includes H. means connected with a free end of each said yokeand said shank for engaging said binder with a load hold-down element.24. The binder of claim 22 in which the remainder of said edge of eachof said slot is formed as the arc of a circle and merges with saidgenerally straight portion intermediate opposite ends of said slot. 25.The binder of claim 22 in which said slots are formed inwardly of theend of said lever offset portion and said yoke is pivotally connectedwith said lever at a location between said slots and said lever offsetportion end.
 26. The binder of claim 22 in which said lever offsetportion is provided with boss members on said arms thereof whichtraverse said slots in said arms, said yoke being pivotally connectedwith said boss members generally in alignment with said slots.
 27. Thebinder of claim 22 which further includes H. detent structure providedat said one ends of said slots for receiving said pin therein when saidlever is in said load binding position.
 28. The binder of claim 27 inwhich said detent structure comprises a pin receiving recess at said endof each of said slots.